WORDS: "Defense wins championships" is a cliche and also not exactly true given the number of high-scoring offenses that have blazed their team to titles. Defense will be huge in this game, though, as both teams average 49 points. Ansonia's offense isn't as balanced as the Thunderbirds'. It doesn't need to be with Newsome running behind a strong offensive line. It can throw when it wants and has an elite receiver in Matos. North Branford averages 234 yards passing and 227 rushing. The Chargers have the edge in experience having won Class M last season. Weaver set a state-record for most points in a final when it burned through Darien, 69-26, in the 1999 Class M final. Let's see if either Ansonia and/or North Branford can top that.

WORDS: Hillhouse's losses were to state finalists Hand and Xavier. The Redcoats only loss was to Platt (34-14). Platt ran on all but nine plays with quarterback Andrew McBride and Justin Potts combining to run 56 times for 388 yards and five touchdowns. Berlin is facing an even bigger rushing threat in the Academics. They lead the state in offensive yardage (5,620) and average 401 yards rushing. Cooper is also the state's fastest player. Anderson, Cooper and Moore all helped Hillhouse win the 2010 state title. Gombotz (ankle) didn't play in Sunday's semifinal win over Weston and will be a game-time decision. Berlin needs him. The Academics better not get overconfident, though. It took Guilford lightly in Week 6 and miraculously escaped with a 20-18 win (Cooper sat out that game to rest his injuries).

WORDS: Windsor has a great offense. It's among the state leaders, averaging 464 yards, and Fleeting is a dynamic and dangerous force. The Tigers defense is scary, though. It's painful watching the way they paste opposing players. Given the choice of getting hit by Walsh, or shaving with a cheese grater and using tabasco as aftershave lotion. .... please pass the sauce. Hand is also, um, an old hand in big games. It won last season's state title. It's beaten Hillhouse, Xavier and West Haven this season. And it's taken every team's best shot since being ranked No. 1 after its midseason win over Xavier.